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Shingles cream for rash: Famciclovir Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

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Shingles – Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

Shingles is usually diagnosed based on the history of pain on one side of your body, along with the telltale rash and blisters. Your doctor may also take a tissue scraping or culture of the blisters for examination in the laboratory.

Treatment

There’s no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. These medications include:

  • Acyclovir (Zovirax)
  • Famciclovir
  • Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Shingles can cause severe pain, so your doctor also may prescribe:

  • Capsaicin topical patch (Qutenza)
  • Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
  • Numbing agents, such as lidocaine, delivered via a cream, gel, spray or skin patch
  • Medications that contain narcotics, such as codeine
  • An injection including corticosteroids and local anesthetics

Shingles generally lasts between two and six weeks. Most people get shingles only once, but it is possible to get it two or more times.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Taking a cool bath or using cool, wet compresses on your blisters may help relieve the itching and pain. And, if possible, try to reduce the amount of stress in your life.

Preparing for your appointment

Some people have such mild symptoms of shingles that they don’t seek medical treatment. At the other extreme, severe symptoms may result in a visit to the emergency room.

What you can do

You may want to write a list that includes:

  • A detailed description of your symptoms
  • Information about your medical problems, past and present
  • Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
  • All the medications, vitamins and dietary supplements you take

Preparing a list of questions ahead of time will help you make the most of your limited time with your doctor. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For shingles, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What’s the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • How long will I have symptoms?
  • What caused me to develop shingles? Can I get it again?
  • What treatment do you recommend? How quickly will I start to feel better?
  • What if my symptoms don’t improve?
  • Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions that you’ve prepared to ask your doctor, don’t hesitate to ask any additional questions that occur to you during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor will examine your rash and may ask some of the following questions:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Does anything make them better or worse?
  • Do you know if you’ve ever had chickenpox?


Oct. 06, 2020

Show references

  1. Shingles: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Shingles-Hope-Through-Research. Accessed May 9, 2017.
  2. Yun H, et al. Longterm effectiveness of herpes zoster vaccine among patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Journal of Rheumatology. In press. Accessed May 9, 2017.
  3. Ferri FF. Herpes zoster. In: Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2017. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 9, 2017.
  4. Bennett JE, et al., eds. Chickenpox and herpes zoster (varicella-zoster virus). In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2015. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 9, 2017.
  5. Shingles: Clinical overview. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www. cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/clinical-overview.html. Accessed May 9, 2017.
  6. Longo DL, et al., eds. Varicella-zoster virus infections. In: Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2015. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed May 9, 2017.
  7. Albrecht MA, et al. Vaccination for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 10, 2020.
  8. Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) recommendations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/hcp/zostavax/recommendations.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fvpd%2Fshingles%2Fhcp%2Frecommendations.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2020.
  9. Shingrix recommendations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/hcp/shingrix/recommendations.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2020.
  10. AskMayoExpert. Herpes zoster (shingles). Mayo Clinic; 2019.

Related

Show more related content

Shingles | NHS inform

There is no cure for shingles, but treatment can help ease your symptoms until the condition improves. In many cases, shingles gets better within around two to four weeks.

However, it’s still important to see your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible if you recognise the symptoms of shingles, as early treatment may help reduce the severity of the condition and the risk of potential complications.

Self-care

If you develop the shingles rash, there are a number of things you can do to help relieve your symptoms, such as:

  • keeping the rash as clean and dry as possible – this will reduce the risk of the rash becoming infected with bacteria
  • wearing loose-fitting clothing – this may help you feel more comfortable
  • not using topical (rub-on) antibiotics or adhesive dressings such as plasters – this can slow down the healing process
  • using a non-adherent dressing (a dressing that will not stick to the rash) if you need to cover the blisters – this avoids passing the virus to anyone else

Calamine lotion has a soothing, cooling effect on the skin and can be used to relieve the itching.

If you have any weeping blisters, you can use a cool compress (a cloth or a flannel cooled with tap water) several times a day to help soothe the skin and keep blisters clean.

It’s important to only use the compress for around 20 minutes at a time and stop using them once the blisters stop oozing. Don’t share any cloths, towels or flannels if you have the shingles rash. 

Antiviral medication

As well as painkilling medication, some people with shingles may also be prescribed a course of antiviral tablets lasting 7 to 10 days. Commonly prescribed antiviral medicines include aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir.

These medications cannot kill the shingles virus, but can help stop it multiplying. This may:

  • reduce the severity of your shingles
  • reduce how long your shingles lasts
  • prevent complications of shingles, such as postherpetic neuralgia (although the evidence for this is uncertain)

Antiviral medicines are most effective when taken within 72 hours of your rash appearing, although they may be started up to a week after your rash appears if you are at risk of severe shingles or developing complications.

Side effects of antiviral medication are very uncommon, but can include:

Who may be prescribed antiviral medication?

If you are over 50 years of age and have symptoms of shingles, it is likely you will be prescribed an antiviral medication.

You may also be prescribed antiviral medication if you have:

  • shingles that affects one of your eyes
  • a weakened immune system
  • moderate to severe pain
  • a moderate to severe rash

Pregnancy and antiviral medication

If you are pregnant and have shingles, it is likely your GP will discuss your case with a specialist to decide whether the benefits of antiviral medication significantly outweigh any possible risks. Shingles will not harm your unborn baby.

If you are under 50 years of age, you are at less risk of developing complications from shingles anyway, so you may not need antiviral medication.

Children and antiviral medication

Antiviral medication is not usually necessary for otherwise healthy children because they usually only experience mild symptoms of shingles and have a small risk of developing complications.

However, if your child has a weakened immune system, they may need to be admitted to hospital to receive antiviral medication directly into a vein (intravenously).

Painkilling medication

To ease the pain caused by shingles, your GP or pharmacist may recommend painkilling medication. Some of the main medications used to relieve pain associated with shingles are described below.

Paracetamol

The most commonly used painkiller is paracetamol, which is available without a prescription. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the medicine is suitable and you are taking the correct dose.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are an alternative type of painkilling medicine also available without a prescription.

However, NSAIDs may not be suitable if you:

  • have stomach, liver or kidney problems, such as a stomach ulcer, or had them in the past
  • have asthma
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding

Ask your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure about whether you should take NSAIDs.  

Opioids

For more severe pain, your GP may prescribe an opioid, such as codeine. This is a stronger type of painkiller sometimes prescribed alongside paracetamol.

Occasionally, your GP may consider seeking specialist advice before prescribing an even stronger opioid, such as morphine.

Antidepressants

If you have severe pain as a result of shingles, you may be prescribed an antidepressant medicine. These medications are commonly used to treat depression, but they have also proven to be useful in relieving nerve pain, such as the pain associated with shingles.

The antidepressants most often used to treat shingles pain are known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Examples of TCAs most commonly prescribed for people with shingles are amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline.

Side effects of TCAs can include:

  • constipation
  • difficulty urinating
  • blurred vision
  • dry mouth
  • weight gain
  • drowsiness

If you have shingles, you will usually be prescribed a much lower dose of TCAs than if you were being treated for depression. This will usually be a tablet to take at night. Your dose may be increased until your pain settles down.

It may take several weeks before you start to feel the antidepressants working, although this is not always the case.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are most commonly used to control seizures (fits) caused by epilepsy, but they are also useful in relieving nerve pain.

Gabapentin is the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsants for shingles pain.

Side effects of these medications can include:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • increased appetite
  • weight gain
  • feeling sick
  • vomiting

As with antidepressants, you may need to take anticonvulsants for several weeks before you notice it working.

If your pain does not improve, your dose may be gradually increased until your symptoms are effectively managed.

Management of Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and Postherpetic Neuralgia

SETH JOHN STANKUS, MAJ, MC, USA, MICHAEL DLUGOPOLSKI, MAJ, MC, USA, and DEBORAH PACKER, MAJ, MC, USA, Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia

Am Fam Physician.  2000 Apr 15;61(8):2437-2444.

 
Patient information: See related handout on shingles, written by the authors of this article.

Herpes zoster (commonly referred to as “shingles”) and postherpetic neuralgia result from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus acquired during the primary varicella infection, or chickenpox. Whereas varicella is generally a disease of childhood, herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia become more common with increasing age. Factors that decrease immune function, such as human immunodeficiency virus infection, chemotherapy, malignancies and chronic corticosteroid use, may also increase the risk of developing herpes zoster. Reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus from dorsal root ganglia is responsible for the classic dermatomal rash and pain that occur with herpes zoster. Burning pain typically precedes the rash by several days and can persist for several months after the rash resolves. With postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of herpes zoster, pain may persist well after resolution of the rash and can be highly debilitating. Herpes zoster is usually treated with orally administered acyclovir. Other antiviral medications include famciclovir and valacyclovir. The antiviral medications are most effective when started within 72 hours after the onset of the rash. The addition of an orally administered corticosteroid can provide modest benefits in reducing the pain of herpes zoster and the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia. Ocular involvement in herpes zoster can lead to rare but serious complications and generally merits referral to an ophthalmologist. Patients with postherpetic neuralgia may require narcotics for adequate pain control. Tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants, often given in low dosages, may help to control neuropathic pain. Capsaicin, lidocaine patches and nerve blocks can also be used in selected patients.

Herpes zoster results from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Unlike varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster is a sporadic disease with an estimated lifetime incidence of 10 to 20 percent. The incidence of herpes zoster increases sharply with advancing age, roughly doubling in each decade past the age of 50 years. Herpes zoster is uncommon in persons less than 15 years old. In a recent study,1 patients more than 55 years of age accounted for more than 30 percent of herpes zoster cases despite representing only 8 percent of the study population. In this same study, children less than 14 years old represented only 5 percent of herpes zoster cases.

The normal age-related decrease in cell-mediated immunity is thought to account for the increased incidence of varicella-zoster virus reactivation. Patients with disease states that affect cell-mediated immunity, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and certain malignancies, are also at increased risk. Chronic corticosteroid use, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may increase the risk of developing herpes zoster.

The incidence of herpes zoster is up to 15 times higher in HIV-infected patients than in uninfected persons, and as many as 25 percent of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma develop herpes zoster. 2,3 The occurrence of herpes zoster in HIV-infected patients does not appear to increase the risk of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and is less dependent on the CD4 count than AIDS-related opportunistic infections.2 There is no evidence that herpes zoster heralds the onset of an underlying malignancy.3

Race may influence susceptibility to herpes zoster. Blacks are one fourth as likely as whites to develop this condition.4 Although herpes zoster is not as contagious as the primary varicella infection, persons with reactivated infection can transmit varicella-zoster virus to nonimmune contacts. Household transmission rates have been noted to be approximately 15 percent.5

About 20 percent of patients with herpes zoster develop postherpetic neuralgia. The most established risk factor is age; this complication occurs nearly 15 times more often in patients more than 50 years of age. Other possible risk factors for the development of post-herpetic neuralgia are ophthalmic zoster, a history of prodromal pain before the appearance of skin lesions and an immunocompromised state. 6

Pathophysiology

Varicella-zoster virus is a highly contagious DNA virus. Varicella represents the primary infection in the nonimmune or incompletely immune person. During the primary infection, the virus gains entry into the sensory dorsal root ganglia. How the virus enters the sensory dorsal root ganglia and whether it resides in neurons or supporting cells are not completely understood. The varicella-zoster virus genome has been identified in the trigeminal ganglia of nearly all seropositive patients.7

The virus remains latent for decades because of varicella-zoster virus–specific cell-mediated immunity acquired during the primary infection, as well as endogenous and exogenous boosting of the immune system periodically throughout life.8 Reactivation of the virus occurs following a decrease in virus-specific cell-mediated immunity. The reactivated virus travels down the sensory nerve and is the cause for the dermatomal distribution of pain and skin lesions.

The pathophysiology of postherpetic neuralgia remains unclear. However, pathologic studies have demonstrated damage to the sensory nerves, the sensory dorsal root ganglia and the dorsal horns of the spinal cord in patients with this condition.9

Clinical Presentation

Herpes zoster typically presents with a prodrome consisting of hyperesthesia, paresthesias, burning dysesthesias or pruritus along the affected dermatome(s). The prodrome generally lasts one to two days but may precede the appearance of skin lesions by up to three weeks.

During the prodromal phase, herpes zoster may be misdiagnosed as cardiac disease, pleurisy, a herniated nucleus pulposus or various gastrointestinal or gynecologic disorders. Some patients may have prodromal symptoms without developing the characteristic rash. This situation, known as “zoster sine herpete,” may further complicate the eventual diagnosis.

The prodromal phase is followed by development of the characteristic skin lesions of herpes zoster. The skin lesions begin as a maculopapular rash that follows a dermatomal distribution, commonly referred to as a “belt-like pattern. ” The maculopapular rash evolves into vesicles with an erythematous base (Figure 1). The vesicles are generally painful, and their development is often associated with the occurrence of anxiety and flu-like symptoms.

View/Print Figure

FIGURE 1.

Typical dermatomal rash with hemorrhagic vesicles on the trunk of a patient with herpes zoster.


FIGURE 1.

Typical dermatomal rash with hemorrhagic vesicles on the trunk of a patient with herpes zoster.

Pain is the most common complaint for which patients with herpes zoster seek medical care. The pain may be described as “burning” or “stinging” and is generally unrelenting. Indeed, patients may have insomnia because of the pain.10 Although any vertebral dermatome may be involved, T5 and T6 are most commonly affected. The most frequently involved cranial nerve dermatome is the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. Twenty or more lesions outside the affected dermatome reflect generalized viremia. Of these patients, approximately one half manifest other neurologic or visceral involvement, and as many as one in seven with viremia may die.

The vesicles eventually become hemorrhagic or turbid and crust over within seven to 10 days. As the crusts fall off, patients are generally left with scarring and pigmentary changes.

Ocular complications occur in approximately one half of patients with involvement of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. These complications include mucopurulent conjunctivitis, episcleritis, keratitis and anterior uveitis. Cranial nerve palsies of the third, fourth and sixth cranial nerves may occur, affecting extraocular motility.

The most common chronic complication of herpes zoster is postherpetic neuralgia. Pain that persists for longer than one to three months after resolution of the rash is generally accepted as the sign of postherpetic neuralgia.11 Affected patients usually report constant burning, lancinating pain that may be radicular in nature. Patients may also complain of pain in response to non-noxious stimuli. Even the slightest pressure from clothing, bedsheets or wind may elicit pain.

Postherpetic neuralgia is generally a self-limited disease. Symptoms tend to abate over time. Less than one quarter of patients still experience pain at six months after the herpes zoster eruption, and fewer than one in 20 has pain at one year.

Treatment of Herpes Zoster

The treatment of herpes zoster has three major objectives: (1) treatment of the acute viral infection, (2) treatment of the acute pain associated with herpes zoster and (3) prevention of postherpetic neuralgia. Antiviral agents, oral corticosteroids and adjunctive individualized pain-management modalities are used to achieve these objectives.

ANTIVIRAL AGENTS

Antiviral agents have been shown to decrease the duration of herpes zoster rash and the severity of pain associated with the rash.12 However, these benefits have only been demonstrated in patients who received antiviral agents within 72 hours after the onset of rash. Antiviral agents may be beneficial as long as new lesions are actively being formed, but they are unlikely to be helpful after lesions have crusted.

The effectiveness of antiviral agents in preventing postherpetic neuralgia is more controversial. Numerous studies evaluating this issue have been conducted, but the results have been variable. Based on the findings of multiple studies, acylovir (Zovirax) therapy appears to produce a moderate reduction in the development of postherpetic neuralgia.13 Other antiviral agents, specifically valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir), appear to be at least as effective as acyclovir.

Acyclovir, the prototype antiviral drug, is a DNA polymerase inhibitor. Acyclovir may be given orally or intravenously. Major drawbacks of orally administered acyclovir include its lower bioavailability compared with other agents and its dosing frequency (five times daily). Intravenously administered acyclovir is generally used only in patients who are severely immunocompromised or who are unable to take medications orally.

Valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir, is administered three times daily. Compared with acyclovir, valacyclovir may be slightly better at decreasing the severity of pain associated with herpes zoster, as well as the duration of postherpetic neuralgia.14 Valacyclovir is also more bioavailable than acyclovir, and oral administration produces blood drug levels comparable to the intravenous administration of acyclovir.

Famciclovir is also a DNA polymerase inhibitor. The advantages of famciclovir are its dosing schedule (three times daily), its longer intracellular half-life compared with acyclovir and its better bioavailability compared with acyclovir and valacyclovir.

The choice of which antiviral agent to use is individualized. Dosing schedule and cost may be considerations. The recommended dosages for acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir are provided in Table 1. All three antiviral agents are generally well tolerated. The most common adverse effects are nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness and abdominal pain.

View/Print Table

TABLE 1

Treatment Options for Herpes Zoster
MedicationDosageAverage cost (generic)*

Acyclovir (Zovirax)†

800 mg orally five times daily for 7 to 10 days 10 mg per kg IV every 8 hours for 7 to 10 days‡

$174 to 248 (129 to 200)

Famciclovir (Famvir)†

500 mg orally three times daily for 7 days

140

Valacyclovir (Valtrex)†

1,000 mg orally three times daily for 7 days

84

Prednisone (Deltasone)

30 mg orally twice daily on days 1 through 7; then 15 mg twice daily on days 8 through 14; then 7.5 mg twice daily on days 15 through 21

2 (2 to 4) for days 1 through 7 2 (1 to 3) for days 8 through 14 1 (1 to 2) for days 15 to 21

TABLE 1

Treatment Options for Herpes Zoster
MedicationDosageAverage cost (generic)*

Acyclovir (Zovirax)†

800 mg orally five times daily for 7 to 10 days 10 mg per kg IV every 8 hours for 7 to 10 days‡

$174 to 248 (129 to 200)

Famciclovir (Famvir)†

500 mg orally three times daily for 7 days

140

Valacyclovir (Valtrex)†

1,000 mg orally three times daily for 7 days

84

Prednisone (Deltasone)

30 mg orally twice daily on days 1 through 7; then 15 mg twice daily on days 8 through 14; then 7.5 mg twice daily on days 15 through 21

2 (2 to 4) for days 1 through 7 2 (1 to 3) for days 8 through 14 1 (1 to 2) for days 15 to 21

CORTICOSTEROIDS

Orally administered corticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of herpes zoster, even though clinical trials have shown variable results. Prednisone used in conjunction with acyclovir has been shown to reduce the pain associated with herpes zoster.15 The likely mechanism involves decreasing the degree of neuritis caused by active infection and, possibly, decreasing residual damage to affected nerves.

Some studies designed to evaluate the effectiveness of prednisone therapy in preventing postherpetic neuralgia have shown decreased pain at three and 12 months.16,17 Other studies have demonstrated no benefit.15,18

If the use of orally administered prednisone is not contraindicated, adjunctive treatment with this agent is justified on the basis of its effects in reducing pain, despite questionable evidence for its benefits in decreasing the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia. Given the theoretic risk of immunosuppression with corticosteroids, some investigators believe that these agents should be used only in patients more than 50 years of age because they are at greater risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia.15  The recommended dosage for prednisone is given in Table 1.

ANALGESICS

The pain associated with herpes zoster ranges from mild to excruciating. Patients with mild to moderate pain may respond to over-the-counter analgesics. Patients with more severe pain may require the addition of a narcotic medication. When analgesics are used, with or without a narcotic, a regular dosing schedule results in better pain control and less anxiety than “as-needed” dosing.

Lotions containing calamine (e.g., Caladryl) may be used on open lesions to reduce pain and pruritus. Once the lesions have crusted over, capsaicin cream (Zostrix) may be applied. Topically administered lidocaine (Xylocaine) and nerve blocks have also been reported to be effective in reducing pain.

OCULAR INVOLVEMENT

Ocular herpes zoster is treated with orally administered antiviral agents and corticosteroids, the same as involvement elsewhere. Although most patients with ocular herpes zoster improve without lasting sequelae, some may develop severe complications, including loss of vision. When herpes zoster involves the eyes, ophthalmologic consultation is usually recommended.

PREVENTIVE TREATMENT

The morbidity and mortality of herpes zoster could be reduced if a safe and effective preventive treatment were available. It is unusual for a patient to develop herpes zoster more than once, suggesting that the first reactivation of varicella-zoster virus usually provides future immunologic protection. Studies are currently being conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the varicella-zoster vaccine in preventing or modifying herpes zoster in the elderly.

Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia

Although postherpetic neuralgia is generally a self-limited condition, it can last indefinitely. Treatment is directed at pain control while waiting for the condition to resolve. Pain therapy may include multiple interventions, such as topical medications, over-the-counter analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants and a number of nonmedical modalities. Occasionally, narcotics may be required. Dosage recommendations are provided in Table 2.

View/Print Table

TABLE 2

Treatment Options for Postherpetic Neuralgia*
MedicationDosage

Topical agents

Capsaicin cream (Zostrix)

Apply to affected area three to five times daily.

Lidocaine (Xylocaine) patch

Apply to affected area every 4 to 12 hours as needed.

Tricyclic antidepressants

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

10 to 25 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 25 mg every 2 to 4 weeks until response is adequate, or to maximum dosage of 150 mg per day.

Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

10 to 25 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 25 mg every 2 to 4 weeks until response is adequate, or to maximum dosage of 125 mg per day.

Imipramine (Tofranil)

25 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 25 mg every 2 to 4 weeks until response is adequate, or to maximum dosage of 150 mg per day.

Desipramine (Norpramin)

25 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 25 mg every 2 to 4 weeks until response is adequate, or to maximum dosage of 150 mg per day.

Anticonvulsants

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

100 to 300 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage until response is adequate or blood drug level is 10 to 20 μg per mL (40 to 80 μmol per L).

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

100 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 100 mg every 3 days until dosage is 200 mg three times daily, response is adequate or blood drug level is 6 to12 μg per mL (25.4 to 50.8 μmol per L).

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

100 to 300 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 100 to 300 mg every 3 days until dosage is 300 to 900 mg three times daily or response is adequate. (Drug levels for clinical use are not available.)

TABLE 2

Treatment Options for Postherpetic Neuralgia*
MedicationDosage

Topical agents

Capsaicin cream (Zostrix)

Apply to affected area three to five times daily.

Lidocaine (Xylocaine) patch

Apply to affected area every 4 to 12 hours as needed.

Tricyclic antidepressants

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

10 to 25 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 25 mg every 2 to 4 weeks until response is adequate, or to maximum dosage of 150 mg per day.

Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

10 to 25 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 25 mg every 2 to 4 weeks until response is adequate, or to maximum dosage of 125 mg per day.

Imipramine (Tofranil)

25 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 25 mg every 2 to 4 weeks until response is adequate, or to maximum dosage of 150 mg per day.

Desipramine (Norpramin)

25 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 25 mg every 2 to 4 weeks until response is adequate, or to maximum dosage of 150 mg per day.

Anticonvulsants

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

100 to 300 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage until response is adequate or blood drug level is 10 to 20 μg per mL (40 to 80 μmol per L).

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

100 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 100 mg every 3 days until dosage is 200 mg three times daily, response is adequate or blood drug level is 6 to12 μg per mL (25.4 to 50.8 μmol per L).

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

100 to 300 mg orally at bedtime; increase dosage by 100 to 300 mg every 3 days until dosage is 300 to 900 mg three times daily or response is adequate. (Drug levels for clinical use are not available.)

ANALGESICS

Capsaicin, an extract from hot chili peppers, is currently the only drug labeled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.19 Trials have shown this drug to be more efficacious than placebo but not necessarily more so than other conventional treatments.20

Substance P, a neuropeptide released from pain fibers in response to trauma, is also released when capsaicin is applied to the skin, producing a burning sensation. Analgesia occurs when substance P is depleted from the nerve fibers. To achieve this response, capsaicin cream must be applied to the affected area three to five times daily. Patients must be counseled about the need to apply capsaicin regularly for continued benefit. They also need to be counseled that their pain will likely increase during the first few days to a week after capsaicin therapy is initiated. Patients should wash their hands thoroughly after applying capsaicin cream in order to prevent inadvertent contact with other areas.

Patches containing lidocaine have also been used to treat postherpetic neuralgia. One study found that compared with no treatment, lidocaine patches reduced pain intensity, with minimal systemic absorption. Although lidocaine was efficacious in relieving pain, the effect was temporary, lasting only four to 12 hours with each application.21

Over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have not been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia. However, these agents are often useful for potentiating the pain-relieving effects of narcotics in patients with severe pain. Because of the addictive properties of narcotics, their chronic use is discouraged except in the rare patient who does not adequately respond to other modalities.

TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Tricyclic antidepressants can be effective adjuncts in reducing the neuropathic pain of postherpetic neuralgia. These agents most likely lessen pain by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters.22

Tricyclic antidepressants commonly used in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia include amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil) and desipramine (Norpramin). These drugs are best tolerated when they are started in a low dosage and given at bedtime. The dosage is increased every two to four weeks to achieve an effective dose.

The tricyclic antidepressants share common side effects, such as sedation, dry mouth, postural hypotension, blurred vision and urinary retention. Nortriptyline and amitriptyline appear to have equal efficacy; however, nortriptyline tends to produce fewer anticholinergic effects and is therefore better tolerated. Treatment with tricyclic antidepressants can occasionally lead to cardiac conduction abnormalities or liver toxicity. The potential for these problems should be considered in elderly patients and patients with cardiac or liver disease.

Because tricyclic antidepressants do not act quickly, a clinical trial of at least three months is required to judge a patient’s response. The onset of pain relief using tricyclic antidepressants may be enhanced by beginning treatment early in the course of herpes zoster infection in conjunction with antiviral medications.20

ANTICONVULSANTS

Phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are often used to control neuropathic pain. A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed gabapentin to be effective in treating the pain of postherpetic neuralgia, as well as the often associated sleep disturbance.23

The anticonvulsants appear to be equally effective, and drug selection often involves trial and error. Lack of response to one of these medications does not necessarily portend a poor response to another. The dosages required for analgesia are often lower than those used in the treatment of epilepsy.

Anticonvulsants are associated with a variety of side effects, including sedation, memory disturbances, electrolyte abnormalities, liver toxicity and thrombocytopenia. Side effects may be reduced or eliminated by initiating treatment in a low dosage, which can then be slowly titrated upward.

There are no specific contraindications to using anticonvulsants in combination with antidepressants or analgesics. However, the risk of side effects increases when multiple medications are used.

Effective treatment of postherpetic neuralgia often requires multiple treatment approaches. In addition to medications, modalities to consider include transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), biofeedback and nerve blocks.

Final Comment

Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia are relatively common conditions, primarily in elderly and immunocompromised patients. Although the diagnosis of the conditions is generally straightforward, treatment can be frustrating for the patient and physician. Approaches to management include treatment of the herpes zoster infection and associated pain, prevention of postherpetic neuralgia, and control of the neuropathic pain until the condition resolves. Primary treatment modalities include antiviral agents, corticosteroids, tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants.

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Frequently Asked Questions



General characteristics
Type of drug drug
Organs and systems skin
Herpes zoster, treatment for herpes, herpes simplex caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes zoster (lichen), genital herpes, infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the herpes virus, chickenpox
Indications for use – skin infections caused by Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, including genital herpes and herpes of the lips; – shingles; – chickenpox.
Contraindications – hypersensitivity to acyclovir and other components of the drug; The drug should be prescribed with caution during pregnancy, lactation, dehydration, renal failure.
Composition Active ingredient: acyclovir – 5 g Excipients: arlaton 983 S (macrogol and fatty acid ester) – 5 g, dimethicone 350 – 0.3 g, cetyl alcohol – 1.5 g, white petrolatum – 9 g, liquid paraffin – 5 g, propylene glycol – 15 g, purified water – 59.2 g
Active ingredient Acyclovir
Dosage 5%
Method of administration and doses Outwardly. The drug is applied 5 times / day (every 4 hours) with a thin layer on the affected and adjacent areas of the skin. The cream is applied either with a cotton swab or with clean hands to avoid additional infection of the affected areas. The therapy should be continued until a crust forms on the vesicles, or until they completely heal.The duration of therapy is on average 5 days and should not exceed 10 days.
Side effects Local reactions: hyperemia, dryness, peeling of the skin; burning, inflammation upon contact with mucous membranes. Development of allergic dermatitis is possible.
Pharmacological action Antiviral drug for external use. Acyclovir is active against Herpes simplex types 1 and 2, Varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.Thymidine kinase of cells infected with a virus through a series of sequential reactions actively converts acyclovir to mono-, di- and acyclovir triphosphate. The latter interacts with viral DNA polymerase and is embedded in DNA, which is synthesized for new viruses. Thus, a “defective” viral DNA is formed, which leads to suppression of the replication of new generations of viruses.
Pharmacological group antiviral agent
Release form cream
Route of administration / administration external
In addition,
Should be stored in addition
Overdose Data on overdose of the drug Acyclovir Hexal are not provided.
Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms The drug does not affect the performance of potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration of attention and speed of psychomotor reactions (driving, working with moving mechanisms).
Special instructions To achieve maximum therapeutic effect, it is necessary to start using the drug as soon as possible after the onset of infection (at the first signs of the disease – burning, itching, tingling, feeling of tension and redness).The cream is not recommended to be applied to the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes, because development of severe local inflammation is possible. When treating genital herpes, sexual intercourse should be avoided or condoms should be used. the use of acyclovir does not prevent transmission of the virus to partners.
Interaction When applied externally, no interaction with other drugs has been identified. An increase in the effect is noted with the simultaneous administration of immunostimulants.
Source Directory of medicinal products Vidal
Registration number PN013198 / 01
Date of state registration 20.02.2020
Salutas Pharma
Packer Salutas Pharma
Country of origin Germany
Drug name Acyclovir